Bhuvneshwar Kumar Explains Jersey Number 87 Logic and Shares Views on T20 Cricket Evolution

Jersey Number Choice: Digits Adding to Six

India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has revealed the reasoning behind his jersey number 87, explaining that he wanted the digits to add up to six. In an interview with India Today published on 24 October 2026, the bowler said he had previously worn number 15 but it was already taken by another player.

• Number preference: Wanted digits summing to six (1+5=6 for his old number 15)
• Availability: Number 15 was taken; 87 was the only available option meeting the criterion
• Adjustment: Also took time to get used to having his surname "Kumar" printed on the jersey

"I wanted the total to add up to six, because I had tried several numbers, including 15, but they were already taken by other players. This was the only number left that added up to six, so I think that's why I picked it. I'm also used to seeing the number 15," Bhuvneshwar said.

Impact Player Rule and Batting Aggression

Bhuvneshwar discussed how the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Impact Player rule have shifted T20 dynamics toward batters. He noted that batters now attack from the first delivery, but pushed back against the idea that bowlers are helpless victims.

• IPL influence: Credits the league for his evolution as a cricketer
• Impact Player effect: Encourages all-out batting approach from ball one
• Bowler agency: Believes bowlers can still control games and dictate where batters hit

"I know the Impact Player rule is there, but it has opened up the mindset of batters considerably. They go after the ball from the very first delivery. However, I've always believed that we tend to treat bowlers as victims, but they aren't. As a bowler, you can control the game and make batters hit where you want them to," he said.

Rising Par Scores in T20 Cricket

The veteran pacer observed that 200 runs has become a near-par score in modern T20 cricket, not just in franchise leagues but also in internationals. He acknowledged the format's evolution over the past four years.

• Score inflation: 200 now considered par; sometimes even insufficient
• Cross-format trend: Evolution visible in both franchise and international cricket
• Adaptation challenge: Bowlers must evolve without surrendering contest control

"There's no doubt that the game has evolved significantly over the last four years. And it's not just franchise cricket; international cricket has evolved too. The way scores are being made now, 200 has almost become a par score. You feel that even 200 isn't enough sometimes," Bhuvneshwar said.

Practical Implications and Verification

• For fans: Insight into player superstitions/preferences and tactical thinking
• For analysts: Confirmation of batting aggression trends post-Impact Player rule
• Verification: Original interview published by India Today on 24 October 2026 (source: indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/nz-vs-ind-2nd-t20i-bhuvneshwar-kumar-new-jersey-number-3024101-2026-10-24)
• Context: Article framed around New Zealand vs India 2nd T20I but focuses on broader themes rather than match-specific details